NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week2

Two weeks into the National Women’s Soccer League season, the early storylines are coming into focus—but not necessarily clarity. If anything, Matchday 2 reinforced just how unpredictable this league remains.

Things We Learned:

• Chaos is already a defining theme, with red cards and wild swings shaping results across the league.
• Portland Thorns FC continue to set the pace—even winning under extreme adversity—while Angel City FC look like a legitimate contender after a fast start.
• Houston Dash are emerging as an early riser, while several expected contenders are already slipping.
• Tactically, early data shows teams experimenting heavily, and expansion sides are proving competitive faster than expected.

Below is a curated roundup of the coverage from across the web.

ShePlays NWSL Week 2 Team

Ok. Let's do this. Let's look at my GW1 team and try to figure out which two (kidding myself that I'll limit it to two) transfers ahead of GW2.

NWSL Weekend Roundup: Week 1

📰 Match Reports & Club Coverage

Orlando Pride — “They Said It” (Post-Match Reactions)
https://www.orlandocitysc.com/news/they-said-it-seb-hines-barbra-banda-and-seven-castain-share-their-thoughts-following-draw-with-houston-dash
Post-match quotes from Seb Hines, Barbra Banda, and others following Orlando’s draw with the Houston Dash.

Orlando Pride — Match Report: Loss to Seattle Reign FC
https://www.orlandocitysc.com/pride/news/match-report-orlando-pride-falls-2-1-to-seattle-reign-fc-in-season-opener
A match report covering Orlando Pride’s 2–1 defeat to Seattle Reign FC in the season opener.

Bayou City Soccer — Houston Dash at San Diego Wave FC Player Ratings
https://www.bayoucitysoccer.net/dash/houston-dash-at-san-diego-wave-fc-player-ratings
Player ratings and analysis from Houston Dash’s matchup against San Diego Wave FC.

Yahoo Sports — 6 Takeaways from Boston Legacy Debut
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/6-takeaways-boston-legacy-fall-204959695.html
Key takeaways from Boston Legacy FC’s debut, including early impressions and standout moments.

📈 Rankings

ESPN — NWSL Power Rankings: Portland Thorns Go No. 1
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/48224238/nwsl-power-rankings-portland-thorns-go-no-1-2026-first-week
Updated power rankings after the first week, with Portland Thorns FC moving into the top spot.

Women’s Football Talk — NWSL Power Rankings After Matchweek 1
https://womensfootballtalk.substack.com/p/nwsl-power-rankings-after-matchweek
Power rankings evaluating team performances following the opening round of matches.

🔑 Week 1 Takeaways, Analysis & Data

The Athletic — Opening Week: Comebacks, Stadiums, Fans, Goals
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7122331/2026/03/16/nwsl-season-opening-comebacks-stadiums-fans-goals/
A look at opening-week action, highlighting comebacks, atmospheres, and defining moments.

The East Stand — Week 1 Recap
https://www.theeaststandnwsl.com/post/week-1-nwsl-recap-portland-shock-the-spirit-a-boston-debut-and-a-new-look-angel-city
A recap of Week 1, including Portland’s result, Boston’s debut, and a new-look Angel City FC.

Between the Vines (BTV) — Pass Networks & Shot Charts (Week 1)
https://btvc.beehiiv.com/p/2026-nwsl-week-1-pass-networks-shot-charts
A data-driven look at Week 1 featuring pass networks, shot charts, and tactical trends across matches.

ShePlays — NWSL Fantasy & Player Insights
https://sheplays.com.au/news/23d616b347a5e989c63b07a2
Fantasy-focused insights and player analysis based on early-season performances.

NWSL This Week — Episode 77: “The Legacy Begins…”
https://nwslthisweek.substack.com/p/episode-77-the-legacy-begins-in-front
This week the crew reviews Week 1 including a massive crowd in Boston, the return of Savy King (heart surgery) and Sophia Wilson (maternity), and the rough start of the season for the Spirit and Stars.

I’m Curious (Edition 45)
https://im-curious-roey.beehiiv.com/p/im-curious-edition-45
This week, Triple Espresso is back at full strength, and its returning Thorn provides a great birthday gift. Plus, the Spirit struggle to break through, and fans of Renee Good's favorite soccer team honor one of their own.

🔁 Transfers & Moves

Sportico — Catarina Macario Contract with San Diego Wave
https://www.sportico.com/personalities/athletes/2026/catarina-macario-contract-nwsl-san-diego-wave-1234887043/
Coverage of Catarina Macario’s move to San Diego Wave FC, including details of a record-setting contract and its implications for the league.

SI Soccer — Denver Summit Add Ryan & Sheehan from Houston Dash
https://www.si.com/soccer/denver-summit-yazmeen-ryan-delanie-sheehan-from-houston-dash
Coverage of Denver Summit FC adding Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan from the Houston Dash.

Angel City FC midfielder Hina Sugita (ACL) will be placed on season-ending injury (SEI) list
https://www.allforxi.com/nwsl/13877/angel-city-fc-midfielder-hina-sugita-acl-will-be-placed-on-season-ending-injury-sei-list-nwsl-acfc-nadeshiko
ACFC and Japan Women’s National Team (Nadeshiko) midfielder Hina Sugita has been placed on the SEI List.

2026 NWSL Preview Roundup

On Bluesky the other day I asked, "Where are the NWSL previews? Other than @xowngoals.com is anyone guessing the final table or (more pressing to me) teams’ week one lineups?"

I got some great responses, and of course now that the league is a day away from kicking off, the media machine has begun to churn. As it only makes sense — and as a long-time soccer blogger, it's what I do —to share, below is what I've found.